Traveling for Treatment? Get Help With Common Concerns

If you or a loved one needs to travel for cancer treatment, you may have several concerns, from managing transportation & lodging costs to experiencing lost wages while you're away from work. Learn about available resources and programs that can help ease your worries. 

Sometimes, getting specialized cancer care or participating in a cancer clinical trial means you need to travel away from your hometown. If you’ve learned that you need to travel for treatment, it’s normal to have a lot of questions and concerns. For many people, managing the costs associated with traveling is one common worry.

If you're not sure where to begin, keep reading. Our Cancer Support Helpline's Community Navigator Anita, LMSW, and Resource Specialist Jeanette answer common questions about traveling for cancer treatment to help you find support, make a plan, and feel prepared.
 

Our Cancer Support Helpline navigators and resource specialists have extensive experience helping people impacted by cancer. For any questions or concerns related to finding or paying for lodging or transportation, or to explore resources that might be available to help offset the costs associated with travel to treatment, call 888-793-9355. 

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What potential expenses should I consider before traveling for treatment? 

When traveling for treatment there are several potential expenses to consider. While this is not an exhaustive list, here are a few examples of expenses that may arise:

• Lodging – This could include hotels, hospitality homes, Airbnb, or RV camping.
• Transportation – Consider how you plan to travel to your treatment or clinical trial location and your main mode of travel while you are there (airfare, gas, bus or train fare, tolls).
• Meals – Think about what you’ll need for meal preparations, snacks, dining, hospital food vouchers, or any combination of these. Consider lodging that has a kitchenette or offers free breakfast.
• Childcare – Who will tend to your children while you’re away, or will they be going with you?
• Pet care – Who will tend to your pets while you’re away (family, sitter, boarding)?
• Parking – This may include costs for parking at your place of lodging, such as a hotel, and hospital parking.

If you are concerned that you can’t afford one or more of these expenses, speak with a social worker at your treatment center. You can also call our Helpline at 888-793-9355 to explore resources that might be available to help offset costs. 

I’m concerned about lost income while I’m away from my job. Are there resources that can help?

Our Helpline’s experienced team includes a Financial Navigator who assists people with financial issues related to cancer, including providing referrals to resources that may help with cancer-related treatment expenses. Our Financial Navigator can also provide tips to address financial concerns like:

•    time away from work for treatment
•    understanding insurance 
•    managing costs of treatment 

For a referral to speak with our Financial Navigator, contact our Helpline. 

How can I find safe, affordable lodging near my treatment site? 

Consider speaking with your healthcare team, a social worker, or a patient navigator to see what safe, affordable lodging options might be available near your treatment center. 

Does insurance help cover the costs of travel for cancer treatment?

Check with your insurance provider to see what your plan offers, since every insurance plan is different in what they cover. For example, some insurance providers offer reimbursement for travel and lodging expenses. 

Are there transportation grants for cancer patients?

Oftentimes, there are a variety of financial programs and grants to assist patients with lodging and transportation. Many of these grants have eligibility parameters, which may include factors like the type of cancer diagnosis, stage of cancer, and income guidelines. 

To explore options that may be available to you, please call our Helpline or speak with a social worker at your treatment center.

Are there other programs that could help cover travel or lodging costs? 

There are many programs that might be available to assist patients. It’s important to check with your healthcare team or a social worker at your treatment center. You can also call our Helpline to learn about potential resources. 

Here are a few other options to explore:

• Joe's House is an online lodging directory for cancer patients and their families. Patients, friends, and family can search thousands of places to stay near hospitals and cancer treatment centers to find their best lodging solution. Joe’s House offers discounts to patients, family members, and caregivers. 
• American Cancer Society offers patient lodging through their Hope Lodge communities and Extended Stay America programs.
• Mercy Medical Angels provides free nonemergency medical transportation assistance for patients who are receiving ongoing or critical treatment. Assistance includes help with commercial airline tickets, gas cards, and bus and train tickets for nonlocal medical care.

I don’t have to travel out of town, but I need help with transportation to my local cancer treatments. What resources are available that could help?

There may be resources available for local transportation within your community. It’s important to check with your healthcare team or a social worker at your treatment center. You can also call our Helpline to learn about potential resources. 

Here are some types of assistance to explore:

• Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT): This is a service benefit for Medicaid members who need transportation assistance to get to and from Medicaid-covered medical appointments. Check NEMT availability if you have Medicaid. 
• Aging and Disability Resource Center: Check to see if there are any community transportation programs available. Find your local office.
• American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery Program: ACS’s trained volunteer drivers provide transportation services to help you get to and from your appointments. Check to see if there is a Road to Recovery program in your area.
• A social worker at your treatment center: Check with the social worker at your treatment center to see if they have gas cards or transportation assistance. 

Traveling for treatment may feel like one more challenge to navigate in your cancer experience. But with the right support and resources in place, you can find the help you need and focus on what’s most important: treatment and healing. Our Helpline navigators and resource specialists are always here if you need us.